{"id":959,"date":"2020-12-01T16:33:51","date_gmt":"2020-12-01T16:33:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usihome.com\/?p=959"},"modified":"2022-07-22T17:47:42","modified_gmt":"2022-07-22T17:47:42","slug":"what-is-softwood-lumber","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usihome.com\/en\/what-is-softwood-lumber\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything you need to know about softwood lumber in Quebec"},"content":{"rendered":"

Want to know more about softwood lumber? You’ve come to the right place!<\/p>\n

Here is everything you need to know about this type of wood produced in large quantities right here in Quebec.<\/p>\n

Short definition of softwood lumber<\/h2>\n

Softwood lumber is a primary wood product suitable for all non-heating uses. The 2 x 4s used extensively in Quebec in the construction sector are a good example of this.<\/p>\n

Softwood lumber is available in various types, grades and sizes. These characteristics will influence its performance and therefore its use.<\/p>\n

In Quebec, softwood lumber is also commonly referred to as “sawn softwood lumber” or “dimensional softwood lumber”.<\/p>\n

3 main categories of softwood lumber<\/h2>\n

Softwood lumber can be classified into three main groups based on its dimensions.<\/p>\n

Softwood lumber boards<\/h3>\n

Pieces of softwood lumber with a narrow side measuring less than 38 mm are considered boards.<\/p>\n

Dimensional softwood lumber<\/h3>\n

Softwood lumber sections with a narrow side measuring between 38 and 102 mm are classified as dimension softwood lumber.<\/p>\n

Large softwood lumber<\/h3>\n

To be considered heavy softwood lumber, a piece of softwood lumber must have a narrow side of at least 114 mm.<\/p>\n

Softwood lumber classifications in Quebec and Canada<\/h2>\n

In Quebec, the Canadian National Lumber Grades Authority (NLGA) is responsible for drafting and enforcing the classification rules for softwood lumber from Canadian forests. Its work is largely based on the CSA O141 standard – Softwood lumber. For Canadian softwood lumber to be used in the United States and vice versa, these classification standards were established in collaboration with the American Lumber Standard (ALS).<\/p>\n

The softwood lumber design values are published in the CSA O86 Standard – Design Rules for Wood Framing. These values vary according to wood type, moisture content, visual classification and mechanical grading.<\/p>\n

All softwood lumber produced in Quebec and destined for the commercial construction sector is stamped, indicating its origin, species group, wood type and moisture content when planed.<\/p>\n

Softwood lumber classification by wood type<\/h3>\n

Softwood lumber\u2019s mechanical properties<\/a> vary according to its type. The CSA 086 standard therefore requires that it be identified according to the wood from which it is made.<\/p>\n

However, since some species have similar characteristics and can be used for the same kind of applications, they can be grouped in the same class.<\/p>\n

Douglas Fir – Larch North (D Fir-L (N))<\/h4>\n